I wasn't aware of the artist, just downloaded related albums and I'm enjoying it. Thanks
@Analogous.
Superb musician.
A bit on the Music of Mali
Music from this North African nation is as rich as it is catchy. It usually comes as a surprise when when one is exposed to it for the first time. To me, it came across as more evolved than the African music I’d listened to before. Kind of the difference between semi-classical and folk back in India.
I got into Malian music through Ali Farka Toure’s works a couple of decades ago. Toure’ was a legend by the time he finished and played a big role in getting world acclaim and following for Mali music. Toure and Diabate’s works together will be cherished by generations of world music lovers. Try the Grammy winner ‘In The Heart of the Moon’. Or ‘Ali and Toumani’. Of course the album I dig a lot is Toure’s guitar fusion with Ry Cooder in ‘Talking Timbuktu’. These albums all have a transcendental quality - close your eyes and listen to them, they’d transport you to a place in your imagination that is relaxing and mesmerising at the same time.
The desert blues band Tinariwen are another strong recommendation. This nomadic Tuareg tribe band with their Berber ancestry makes music that’s in between the African and Arabian while facing difficulties in a region ridden with conflicts. Their music has a lot of energy.
There’s also the blind couple Amadou & Mariam whose music is wonderful to listen to.
I am not as much of a fan of Afro Pop, but another Malian musician, Salif Keita, from the royal family, is a big name in that genre.
Diabate, whose family played the Kora instrument for generations, was famous for his collaborations. Listen to ‘Kulanjan’ with Taj Mahal. But for purist experience of the Kora, listen to his solo album ‘The Mande Variations’.
It’s sad that we are losing artists whom we followed dearly, across genres. But that’s the bane of being in your 50’s and above. At least, we have their albums to cherish.
Rest in peace, Toumani.
www.rfi.fr
